Apostolic Nuncio to US conveys Pope’s condolences to Shriver Kennedy family

( Aug,12,2009): The Apostolic Nuncio to the United States – Archbishop Pietro Sambi said that on hearing of the death on Tuesday of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of former US President John F. Kennedy, Pope Benedict XVI prayed she would receive eternal reward for her service on behalf of the mentally and physically disabled.
Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver passed away on Tuesday at age 88. In a letter to Shriver's family released to the press,Archbishop Sambi conveyed the condolences of Pope Benedict He said the Pope "unites himself spiritually with each of you at this difficult time, holding close to his heart Eunice, as she is called home to eternal life, and trusting in the words of sacred Scripture: 'What will separate us from the love of Christ?"
Eunice died in a hospital in Barnstable, on Cape Cod. At her side were her husband, their five children and their spouses, and their 19 grandchildren. Her family said she had been suffering from strokes. The fervent Catholic woman helped found the Special Olympics, organising the first games in 1968. During her lifetime ,Shriver was highly honoured. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honour from President Ronald Reagan in 1984. In 2006, Pope Benedict bestowed upon her the title of Dame of the papal order of St. Gregory the Great.